Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Muscle and joint pain? Hello Dr. Tseng, I have been experiencing increasing fatigue upon waking up every day for the past few years (average sleep time from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM). During sleep, I often experience pain in my shoulders, elbows, and finger joints, as well as swelling...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it is abnormal to experience pain in the shoulder, elbow, and finger joints while sleeping, and even to wake up due to joint pain during sleep. Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis factors and uric acid levels have returned normal, but other rheumatic diseases cannot be ru...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis I have been experiencing burning, pain, and swelling in both ankle joints for over a year. I had blood tests done at a major hospital, which showed elevated rheumatoid factor and inflammatory markers. I have been taking immunomodulatory medications, corticost...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Symmetrical arthritis combined with a positive rheumatoid factor is indeed characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. However, if symptoms do not improve after treatment, even if inflammatory markers are normal, it is advisable to consult your phy...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Ankle Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an accurate translation or response? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis about three years ago when I was around 14 years old. It started with pain in my left knee, and then mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis, so juvenile rheumatoid arthritis does not directly transition into rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. Therefore, some patie...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Clostridium infection Hello doctor, does Chlamydia infection-related arthritis lead to high uric acid levels?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding Chlamydia arthritis, the response is as follows, referencing http://blog.xuite.net/apex0818/twblog/121592288-%E6%8A%AB%E8%A1%A3%E8%8F%8C%E9%97%9C%E7%AF%80%E7%82%8EI. I. Cause: Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis after sexual contact is a common cause ...[Read More] Can Chlamydia Infection Cause High Uric Acid Levels in Arthritis?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Uric Acid Levels in Blood Tests
Rheumatoid arthritis and uric acid? Hello! I would like to ask if the rheumatoid factor test report includes uric acid levels. I checked my report yesterday, and there was no rheumatoid factor, but the inflammatory markers were elevated. I am concerned that even without rheumatoi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The rheumatoid factor and uric acid levels are two different tests. Therefore, if your physician did not include these two tests in the examination items, you may not receive results for either the rheumatoid factor or uric acid levels. It would...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Uric Acid Levels in Blood Tests
Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Is steroid medication necessary for vasculitis? Two years ago, I experienced difficulty opening my left eye upon waking, and I was diagnosed with dry eye syndrome. Last year, after a salivary gland biopsy, I was diagnosed with xerostomia, and my white blood cell count dropped to ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, everyone. 1. The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome primarily involves testing for positive anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies, which are present in only 50-60% of patients. If these tests are negative, a salivary gland biopsy is performed for diagnosis. If the dry syndro...[Read More] Do You Need Steroids for Vasculitis in Sjögren's Syndrome?
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Ice or Heat Therapy? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have experienced a relapse of ankylosing spondylitis (which has been symptom-free for over three years). Since entering the workforce, I have also been exercising very little. I am experiencing severe pain in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsu, thank you for your question. The location of the sacroiliac joint is relatively deep, so the effectiveness of ice therapy may be limited; heat therapy might be more beneficial. Regarding the choice between heat and cold therapy, I believe that during the acute phas...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Ice or Heat Therapy?
Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Back pain Hello doctor, I have pain on the left side of my spine in the back, which occurs when I do a bow stretch. It has been several months and feels like a continuous pain. I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who diagnosed me with myofascial pain syndrome. F...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Hsiao-An: 1. There are many causes of back pain, including degenerative, neoplastic, inflammatory, infectious, radiculopathy, metabolic, traumatic, and referred pain, among others. Therefore, a wide range of specialties may be involved, and sometimes diagnosis is not st...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Back Pain: When to See a Specialist
Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Sjögren's syndrome Hello, Doctor! Three years ago, I experienced stiffness in my fingers upon waking up in the morning, which resolved after two to three minutes. Initially, I suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Blood tests showed elevated anti-ENA at 3.7 and Ro at 45.6, while t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang, thank you for your question. Sjögren's syndrome is considered a mild condition among rheumatic diseases, so whether medication is necessary, especially for long-term treatment, may vary among physicians. Personally, I believe that if the diagnostic criteria ...[Read More] Managing Sjögren's Syndrome: To Medicate or Not? Insights and Risks
Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Questions related to kidney examinations? Is it necessary to have regular kidney function tests? I do not have diabetes or hypertension, but I have congenital heart disease and have previously had urinary tract infections and pneumonia. I took a lot of traditional Chinese medicin...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Renal function monitoring is typically recommended for: 1. Patients with a history of chronic kidney disease (such as chronic nephritis, interstitial nephritis, or hydronephrosis); 2. Individuals with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout...[Read More] Do You Need Regular Kidney Function Tests? Common Concerns Explained
Understanding Thumb Joint Nodules: Symptoms and Treatment Options
There is a nodule or hard lump on the second phalanx of the right thumb? In the past six months, I have experienced pain in my right thumb when performing certain actions (such as opening bottles or snack packages, where I cannot apply force). There is pain and stiffness when ben...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you provided, it is likely not rheumatoid arthritis or gout. However, to accurately identify the nodules, it would be best to have them examined. I recommend consulting a rheumatologist or an orthopedic specialist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministr...[Read More] Understanding Thumb Joint Nodules: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Do patients with Lichtenstein's disease need to take medication for life? I have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which I know cannot be cured. I initially thought that I could take medication only during flare-ups and then stop, but I have been taking it for six months now...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. It is possible to discontinue medication for Still's disease as long as the inflammatory markers are consistently normal during regular follow-ups; some physicians may attempt to stop the medication. However, during the management of Still...[Read More] Do You Have to Take Medication for Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Regarding the CCR (Creatinine Clearance Rate) renal function index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why my creatinine clearance (CCR) is low, even though my other test results are mostly normal. I have had several tests, and my CCR has consistently been between the low 50s and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Hello: The 24-hour creatinine clearance rate is clinically used as an indirect indicator of glomerular filtration rate. While its accuracy is relatively high, it can still be affected by urine collection methods, medication use, and testing errors, which may influence the results...[Read More] Understanding Low CCR Levels: Do You Need a Low-Protein Diet?
Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Inquiry about the significance of the test? Hello, doctor. In the past, I tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during a health check, so my company has been adding this test to my annual examinations. About 6-7 years ago, I consulted a rheumatologist who mentioned that s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Albumin is naturally more abundant than globulin, so a slight increase is not a concern. 2. An ANA titer of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 3. For a positive rheumatoid arthritis (...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Ear temperature indicates fever, while axillary temperature is normal? Hello, Dr. Tseng. I have issues with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and asthma. A couple of months ago, I might have contracted a cold, which led to an acute asthma attack, productive cough, and a high fever of 39 ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, users: A temperature difference of 0.8-1 degree Celsius between ear temperature and axillary temperature could indicate issues related to autoimmune disorders or infections that may cause fever. Please seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies Between Ear and Axillary Temperatures
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Is it possible for rheumatoid arthritis to go undetected in tests? Hello, earlier this year my mother (born in 1971, 52 years old) has been experiencing unbearable pain in both hands, especially at night when the pain is particularly severe in her finger joints. Additionally, her...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, Ping Ping; the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis must consider 1. clinical joint symptoms 2. rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibody tests 3. inflammatory markers 4. duration of symptoms 5. imaging studies such as X-rays and ultrasound for evaluation. Joint discomfort can ...[Read More] Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Go Undetected? Understanding the Challenges
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options
Sjögren's syndrome Doctor: Hello, I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry eyes, and I initially thought it was due to menopause. However, blood tests revealed that I have Sjögren's syndrome, and the results for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are still pending. I am c...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, user: Mild dizziness, diarrhea, belching, and sweating are likely side effects of the medication. 1. If you only experience dry mouth and dry eyes without any other organ abnormalities, you can discontinue the medication and manage the symptoms. 2. It is possible for the m...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Options